Whether we like it or not there are pros and cons in the choices that we make when deciding to wear any of these fabrics. What is the ethically correct answer? Well that is not so easy but it is most important that we consider our personal values and priorities and weight them against each other so that we can make a decision that we can live with. I am hoping that by providing you with a bit more information you can make your best decision and feel good about it.
Silk
I love the look and feel of silk – it is lightweight and can adjust to your body temperature so it is great to wear in both summer and winter. However, I do not like the cost or to tell you the truth how it is produced.
Silk is a natural protein fiber of which can be woven into fabric. It is produced from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm grown in captivity. Unfortunately these creatures are killed in the process of either hot air or boiling water to unwind a single silk thread in one single unbroken filament. Silk has a natural shine to it created by its triangular prism-like structure of the silk fibre. This allows the silk fabric to refract incoming light at different angles thus producing different colors. It absorbs dyes well, producing bright rich colors in its fabrics. It requires 1700-2000 silk worm cocoons to make one silk dress.
- Due to its soft and beautiful appearance it is commonly used for evening (formal) dresses, including wedding gowns
- Its durability and lightness is ideal for dresses, blouses and dress shirts, skirts or scarves and lingerie.
- It can also be found in home furnishing items such as luxurious bed sheets, pillows and drapes.
Pros
- Soft and beautiful
- Weightlessness
- Strong fabric
- Hypoallergenic
- Breath-ability
Cons
- Expensive to purchase
- Increased upkeep and care
- Sweat stains
- Wrinkles easily
Rayon
Although Rayon and Polyester are more affordable, the production of these products have a huge impact on the environment.
Rayon is a natural material made from cellulose from wood pulp, however the process of making it into fibers involves the use of a lot of toxic chemicals. The various types of rayon are called Viscose, Modal, Lyocell, and Tencel. Rayon was developed to replace silk and is known as a synthetic silk. It has that soft flowing appearance without the expense. However, even though it is from natural sources, it also has a high impact on the environment in its manufacturing process. Compared to silk it takes a lot longer to degrade into the earth.
- It has a shiny appearance and is soft and has an excellent drape ideal for dresses, tops, skirts as well as ties, scarves and shawls.
- Due to its comfort and softness it is also used for lingerie.
- In home decor it is used for bed sheets, bedspreads, curtains and upholstery items.
- Due to its softness and absorbent nature it is used for towels.
Pros
- Soft
- Cheap
- Absorbent
- Anti-static
Cons
- Wrinkles
- Not very durable and easily lose its shape
- Pills easily
- Toxic chemicals used
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from water, air, coal and petroleum. Through a chemical reaction between an acid and alcohol, fibers are formed. The polyester fibers produced are very long, hence very stable and strong. Polyester is a polymer. It can be used to make plastic fibres. The major manufactures of polyester are found in Taiwan, Korea, India, Japan, and Indonesia with some production in the United States. Due to its filament length it is easy to blend with other fibers such as natural fibers, cotton.
- Used for the production of various clothing items, blouses, shirts, active wear, lingerie, pants, skirts and dresses.
- It is used for home furnishings and industrial fabrics primarily due to its durability, wrinkle resistance and cost.
Pros
- Cheap
- Light weight
- Durable
- Wrinkle and shrink resistant
- Light (sun) resistant and good color last
- Hydrophobic (dries fast)
- Keeps its shape
- Good water absorption
Cons
- Release micro plastics when washed
- toxic chemicals used in manufacturing – highly polluting
- Not biodegradable
- Static easily builds up
- Doesn’t breath
- Can not be dyed using low impact or natural dyes
Whatever your choice, it is no easy decision, and unfortunately there are advantages and disadvantages attached to each choice. I believe that if you are a bit wiser in having the knowledge regarding these fabrics you can feel comfortable that your choices are aligned with your morals and beliefs. We all want to feel like we are doing right by our environment but there is no easy answer to this question. Make an informed choice, consider limiting your clothing items to “need” rather than “desire”. Consider their function and use in your day-to-day wear and style, then you can’t go wrong. Please share with me your thoughts, and your solutions.
